AFTER years of planning and prayer, Salvation Army women leaders met together in São Paulo, Brazil, for a time of fellowship at the Women in Leadership Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean, where they were joined by guest speaker Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women's Ministries). The event, which took the theme Women: Strength and Perfection (based on Psalm 18:32), was described by Commissioner Deise Eliasen (Zonal Secretary for Women's Ministries, Americas and Caribbean Zone) as a dream come true. The presence of the Lord was felt strongly throughout.
Thirty-three officers from six territories attended the conference, representing 45 countries.
At the start of the event, Commissioner Cox spoke about finding strength in God. She told the women leaders that God wants his people to be free from the culture of sin, slavery, indifference and insecurity. She told her listeners that they are strong and can do everything in Christ.
During the day a variety of workshops were presented in creative and informative ways. The themes brought a variety of new ideas, challenging the women to lead with efficacy, to have a balanced ministry between home and family, to have confidence for God-given tasks, and to be financially accountable. The leaders were encouraged to use new ideas in programmes to reach women.
Evening sessions dealt with the importance of preventing violence in the home and a time of sharing about challenges in leadership.
A cultural night was full of colour, beauty, folklore and traditional dress. Delegates from Brazil showed how the samba rhythm can be used with a very traditional Salvation Army song!
In her final challenge, Commissioner Cox explained how in the Lord each person can be perfect – not only strong, but also perfect. The closer we get to Jesus, she explained, the more we pray, the more we preach and read God's Word, the more we dedicate our lives to him, the more like Jesus we become.
Report by Lieut-Colonel Luz H. Nesterenko
Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries
South America West Territory
